Dotson Has Grown Into Spot on Offensive Line

Monday

Jul 30, 2012 at 2:55 AM

Two years ago, when Bucs then restricted free agent left tackle Donald Penn did not sign his tender and did not report to any of the team's offseason activities, offensive lineman Demar Dotson was wondering if he belonged in the NFL, much less being a starter.

By RICK BROWNTHE LEDGER

TAMPA | Two years ago, when Tampa Bay Bucs then restricted free agent left tackle Donald Penn did not sign his tender and did not report to any of the team's offseason activities, including mini-camp, second-year offensive lineman Demar Dotson was wondering if he belonged in the NFL, much less being a starter.Yet, until Penn signed, it was the 6-foot-9 former basketball player who was getting the majority of the first-team reps, even though he questioned if he was ready.Two years later, there's no question in his mind he is ready for the challenge.With Penn nursing a strained calf, Dotson, 26, is ready if the injury lingers longer than expected."That was two years ago," Dotson said following a recent training camp practice. "I was going into my second year. I had never played left tackle before. I've gotten a little more older. I should be more comfortable."When you're called upon, you've got to come out here and do your best," Dotson said. "I've got a job to do. That's my job — when someone goes down — to step and do my best. If I show they cannot depend on me, how can I expect them to put me in the game?"That was a different time for Dotson, an undrafted free agent out of Southern Miss, who had played collegiate football for just one season.Dotson played two seasons of basketball at Southern Miss. But he knew the NBA was not going to chase too many post players who averaged less than four points and four rebounds a game.But since he had another year of eligibility left, he decided to play football.He was nothing special on the field at defensive tackle (four tackles in seven games). In fact, no team took a chance on him until the Bucs signed him following the draft.They loved his footwork so they switched him to the offensive line.Now, he's being called upon to start until Penn is ready to return. That's OK with the rest of the team.Center Jeremy Zuttah has seen Dotson grow from insecure rookie to confident backup."He's such a raw athlete; a, powerful dude," Zuttah said. "The more experience he gets, the sky's the limit for the kid."Dotson will likely get the start when the Bucs take on the Miami Dolphins in both teams' first exhibition game on Aug. 10.He knows all eyes will be on him since it will be his job to protect the backside of quarterback Josh Freeman."You want Donald Penn to be up but it's an opportunity for me to step in and show what I can do at left tackle," Dotson said. There's always pressure because that's a Pro Bowl left tackle. He's an awesome player — one of the top 10 left tackles in the league. It's always pressure to step in his position. I've got to learn from him and get better every day."

Bucs Sign LinebackerTampa Bay signed linebacker Nate Triplett. Triplett was a fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings from the University of Minnesota in the 2010 NFL Draft.Last year, Triplett spent time with the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts.Linebacker Thomas Williams is no longer in camp.

Strapping UpThe Bucs donned the pads for the first time since the final game of the 2011 NFL season. Coach Greg Schiano said it was sloppy but he overall enjoyed it."That's the real game or as close as you get to it in practice," he said. "The guys responded well (but) every time you add a different variable to the equation, you're going to get some of that."

Public PracticeThe next practice that is opened to the public will be Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. All practices, with the exception of Saturday's night practice, are held at One Buccaneer Place.

[ Rick Brown may be reached at rick.brown@theledger.com. Follow his Buc coverage on Twitter: @LedgeronBucs. ]